God has been so very good to me. I don’t remind myself of that often enough

I spent some time yesterday thanking God for what he’s done. Through answered prayers and unexpected graces, he has more than proven his goodness. He’s sustained through difficulty, guided through uncertainty, comforted through insecurity. He’s shown me mercy when I’ve been foolish, patience when I’ve been slow to listen, forgiveness when I’ve been rebellious. In every season, every moment, he is unquestionably good.

So why do I still question him? Why my doubts? I think the issue is a matter of perspective. In spite of everything God has given, I still fixate on what I don’t possess, on unmet desires, and on an uncertain future. I allow my eyes, my mind, and my heart to dictate my faith rather than allowing faith to inform what I see, think, and feel.

Thankfulness shifts my focus back to the LORD. As James makes clear, God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, and he makes even trials to advance his good purposes (James 1). He promises provision, straightens our steps, and secures our future. Nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8). Because our God is who he is, we can “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

This week, we devote time to thankfulness. I pray that this time of thanksgiving changes us, shifting our focus in this season to the LORD of every season. Let us be people who give thanks to God for his steadfast lovingkindness, and let thanksgiving lead us to rejoice in the King whose birth we celebrate soon.

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Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash